The Forensic Science Service has stopped processing blood and urine samples in drink-drive cases, and police have been told that any forensic samples need to be refrigerated while the government tries to find a replacement company.
Details of the recent events were revealed in a leaked memo from the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA), however, the government had previously warned that the financial situation of the Forensic Science Service was so serious that it were looking into having it closed down by March.
The FSS is said to have made a loss of £2 million every month, and the government is looking for a private company to take on the workload.
Opposition to the new changes warn that the move will lead to less crimes being solved, making it easier for criminals to get away.
Official figures show that the FSS undertook 16,099 laboratory tests on urine and blood samples in 2009.
The leaked memo from the NPIA to chief constables nationwide, stated: “We appreciate the challenges and difficulties that this change may cause your force.
“However, we would ask that you continue to work with us whilst we resolve this issue.”
Investigators at the Forensic Science Service have contributed to linking evidence to Soham murderer Ian Huntley, Suffolk Strangler Steve Wright and paedophile Roy Whiting.
The FSS has been owned by the Government since 2005, and has a work force of around 1,650 employees.
